Libra Energy has unveiled its first major Australian renewable energy project, announcing plans to build an 850MW/3,400MWh battery energy storage system in south-east Queensland to capture excess solar energy and increase energy supply and demand. stabilize the electricity grid during peak hours.
Queensland-based Libra Energy has announced that development applications for the Bremer Battery Project – an 850MW, four-hour battery energy storage system being developed near Ipswich in the state’s south-east – have been submitted to planning authorities for approval.
The Bremer project originally included plans for a 150 MW solar farm, but Libra shelved that proposal, saying: “It is not economical to proceed with a solar project at this time.”
The focus has instead been narrowed to providing a standalone battery energy storage system that Libra says will serve as a crucial tool to capture excess solar energy and improve the security and reliability of the region’s electricity grid.
Queensland is home to more than one million solar installations on roofs and so is the state government targeting 70% renewable energy in 2032 and 80% in 2035, because the economy is no longer dependent on coal-fired power stations.
Libra chairman Rod Stephenson said because there is so much solar energy being generated in Queensland, it is essential to move forward with a large battery to accommodate the excess generation.
“We need initiatives that help increase storage capacity in the energy network,” he said. “Queenslanders have installed rooftop solar in the expectation of reducing the cost of their own energy consumption and selling excess energy to the grid.”
“Grid-scale batteries are needed to ensure Queenslanders can continue to sell their excess energy to the grid.”
The Bremer Battery is being developed on an estimated 15 hectare site near Rosewood, about 20km west of Ipswich, and Libra said the facility “is designed to integrate seamlessly into the energy network.”
The project site will be connected to the National Electricity Market via existing Powerlink transmission lines running near the site.
Libra, which has so far focused on developing solar and wind projects in Africa and Asia according to the company’s website, said it has completed the project scope study for the Bremer battery and received the green light from the grid operator.
The Brisbane-headquartered company said it is now working on the pre-feasibility study and connection application and, subject to approvals, the battery could be commissioned in 2027.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
